How to Control & Prevent Common Lawn Weeds

Overview

Ugh, weeds! How to control them.
They're the scourge of homeowners everywhere: those dandelions, crabgrass, and clumps of clover that appear out of nowhere. It's not fair, after all the work you put into your lawn. Fortunately, there are several simple steps you can take to take care of weeds in your yard.

How to help a lawn with a few weeds
When you see a broadleaf weed here and there, it's tempting just to pull them out by hand. Trouble is, the roots often break, and the parts that remain sprout new weeds. You're better off using a product like Scotts® Touch Up® Weed Control for Your Lawn or check out the line of weed control products from Ortho. A weed control product labeled safe for lawns will target weeds and leave the lawn unharmed when used as directed.

Set your lawn mower higher: Mowing at the proper height, usually one of the 2 highest setting on your mower, helps the grass grow thick to shade weed seeds, so it's harder for them to grow.

Proper Feeding: Feeding at regularly, like every 6-8 weeks during the growing season with Scotts® Turf Builder® Lawn Food, helps your lawn thicken up and fill in bare spots, making them less welcoming to weeds.

Weeds Defined

A weed is any plant growing where it is not wanted. Lawn weeds belong to one of three categories: broadleaf, grassy, or grass-like. A typical broadleaf weed is a dandelion. Crabgrass is in the grassy weed category, while nutsedge would be classified as a grass-like weed.

Certain activities provided via the website may be covered by U.S. Patent No. 5,930,474

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